I recently heard the term “soul dog” for the first time, and I have never resonated with something so much. From the moment I saw my boy at the shelter, he had my heart. If you relate to that feeling, you probably cherish photos of and with your pet. As a Huntsville pet photographer, I find it so rewarding to preserve that bond between dogs and their owners.

For my birthday this year, my sister (and the other half of Fauna & Film) gifted me a dog and owner photoshoot in Huntsville. The experience of stepping in front of the camera for this session gave me new perspective on what it’s like to take photos with a pet.

If you’re considering booking a photo session with your dog, here are a few tips from a Huntsville dog photographer.

Why book a Huntsville pet photographer?

Taking photos with your dog is just one of those things… If you get it, you get it, and if you don’t, you don’t. Maybe you love your pets and would be happy to bring them to a family photo session, but the idea of a whole photoshoot dedicated to them feels a little wild. But for all the other dog owners out there who, like me, see their pup as their pride and joy, having professional photos that document the pet-owner bond feels completely natural.

Dogs have been featured in art for thousands of years. And for all of our sessions, the final artwork is the most important part. Consider this: how will you enjoy your images, once you have them? What about in a few years, when your dog is no longer around? Personally, the thought of scrolling through my phone’s photos app when I want to remember Bax makes me want to cry. The time we have with our pets is so limited, and it deserves to be celebrated through custom heirloom artwork.

What does a pet and owner photoshoot with Fauna & Film look like?

As a Huntsville pet photographer, our sessions are intentionally slow and relaxed, with a focus on connection. We know that every dog has its own unique personality and quirks, so we accommodate their needs and go at their pace.

We value those authentic, candid moments that really showcase the bond between a dog and its human(s). While we do take some more traditional, posed portraits with everyone smiling at the camera, we primarily take a more lifestyle, documentary approach. To achieve this, we provide simple, intuitive guidance that allows both dog and owner to feel relaxed.

How to Prepare for Your Dog & Owner Session:

• First and foremost, communicate with your photographer. If your dog has certain quirks or triggers, that’s completely fine and we can accommodate—as long as we are aware.
• Bring treats! And not just any treats—bring LOTS of very high-value treats that you know will hold your dog’s attention. If they’re not motivated by food, bring their favorite plushie or squeaky toy.
• Take your dog to the location ahead of time—several times, if possible. The more familiar the location is, the more comfortable your dog will feel.
• If needed, bring another person that your dog trusts to the session. We are happy to hold up treats, call your dog’s name, and make silly noises to keep him looking at the camera. However, it can be helpful to have another pair of hands to carry extra toys and treats, pick up after your dog, or hold onto the leash.
• Give your dog (and yourself!) grace. Whether he sits still and looks straight at the camera or jumps around and barks, trust that we will get beautiful photos that capture the authenticity of your relationship.

I am truly so thankful to have these photos with my boy, and I can’t wait to hang them in my home. I never knew it was possible to reflect his personality and our relationship so authentically. Through these photos, I’ll be able to cherish and celebrate my soul dog for the rest of my life.

If you’ve been considering booking a Huntsville pet photographer, this is your sign to do it. We don’t have enough time with our dogs, so we should celebrate every day while we can.

Fauna & Film is a Huntsville family photographer specializing in nostalgic film photography and custom heirloom artwork for busy couples and families in Huntsville, Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. From bespoke heirloom albums to custom, museum-worthy framed artwork, their passion is to serve clients by designing artwork for them that will last generations.  Your memories deserve to be seen.

Currently serving Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and surrounding area.